Principal: Deede Santiago

“I am writing to express my appreciation and support of your Brave & Beautiful prevention curriculum that empowers teen girls in life and leadership. I believe this publication has the potential to have a deep impact on the lives of the teen girls and young women who participate in the program due to the experiences our students have had thus far with the content.

I can personally attest to the impact the material has had on our 6th-grade girls. The girls who chose to take this class have learned so much about what it means to lead with character and integrity, and what that looks like.

I’d like to highlight one of the many examples of impact and transformation that Brave & Beautiful has had on the girls. There were twin sisters in this first class who, through experiencing the Brave & Beautiful curriculum, showed remarkable personal growth and increased self-confidence. As a result, they both applied to be Student Government leaders for the whole Elementary campus and were elected to do so. Their confidence has soared as they grew in understanding their immense value. They also grew in embracing perspectives and values that support them in becoming strong servant-leaders.

I am deeply concerned about the significant challenge we have in Hawaii regarding the sex trafficking of our local teen girls. I believe Brave & Beautiful is a powerful prevention solution that equips young women to avoid being manipulated by the people attempting to recruit them.

As a foundation, Brave & Beautiful has helped to raise the overall self-confidence, self-worth, and leadership abilities of the girls who have benefited from the publication, which helps them become significantly less vulnerable to victimization. The girls are also empowered with practical ways to protect themselves from victimization and ways to avoid dangerous situations.

I strongly believe that Brave & Beautiful is the right solution for our community. I congratulate you on recently being awarded the 2023 Hawaii State Government Award for the “Outstanding Advocate of the Children and Youth in the State of Hawaii.” Thank you for making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people in our community and throughout our state.”

- Deede Santiago, Principal, Elementary School, Kamehameha Schools